Advance Summer 2017

www.advancemagazine.co.uk

T H E R E S E T T L E M E N T M AG A Z I N E ISSUE ONE SUMMER 2017

BUYING A HOME

Support for the military in the housing market

WHAT’S YOUR EMERGENCY?

Career opportunities for ex-Forces in the emergency services

RACING TO RECOVERY

The injured veterans making their mark in endurance racing

THE MENTAL SCARS OF WAR From depression to PTSD, what kind of support is out there for servicemen and women?

001_AdvanceSu17_Cover FINAL.indd 1

21/06/2017 16:01

South Central Ambulance Service

NHS Foundation Trust

002_AdvanceSu17_ADV.indd 2

20/06/2017 11:39

T H E R E S E T T L E M E N T M AG A Z I N E

PUBLISHER Denise Connelly denise@dcpublishing.co.uk EDITOR Lindsay Cochrane lindsay.cochrane@dcpublishing.co.uk STAFF WRITER Lorne Gillies lorne.gillies@dcpublishing.co.uk DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Lucy Baillie lucy.baillie@dcpublishing.co.uk PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Lisa McCabe lisa.mccabe@dcpublishing.co.uk SALES Scott Kyle scott.kyle@dcpublishing.co.uk Karen MacKenzie karen.mackenzie@dcpublishing.co.uk

ADVANCE MAGAZINE www.advancemagazine.co.uk

DC Publishing Ltd, 198 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4HG Tel: 0844 249 9007

@AdvanceMagUK

SUBSCRIBE TO ADVANCE If you’d like a free copy of Advance delivered to your door twice a year, head to our website.

advancemagazine.co.uk/subscribe

WELCOME

Hello and welcome to the inaugural issue of Advance, the brand new magazine for men and women who are going through the resettlement process towards civilian life.

G

oing from a career in the military to Civvy Street can be a huge step. You’ve got a two-year window in which to suss out where your working life will head and where you’re going to stay, along with all the other pressures and stresses of modern life.

Which is where Advance comes in. We’re all about providing the tools and information to help you advance in your professional and personal lives – whether that’s about finding a great new job, furthering your training or education, or taking control of your own health and wellbeing.

The pages of Advance are packed with information from experts in the field – men and women who have worked alongside ex-Forces personnel, who provide support services, or who have served in the military themselves.

Because we believe that, having put your life on the line for our country, the least Great Britain can do is offer you a little something back. Support and understanding is often all that’s needed to make resettlement simpler – and there are lots of services out there offering just that.

In our first issue, we’ve been looking at careers in logistics and the emergency services, and a range of big-name businesses have been telling us why they enjoy working with former military personnel – your skills and experience are much more valuable than you’d ever imagine! We’ve been finding out more about the Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme too, boosting your prospects in a much more affordable and accessible way.

Elsewhere, we caught up with a team of injured ex-military men who are hoping to overcome their disabilities and take on the biggest challenge of their lives – the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race!

Also this issue, we’ve been delving into the issue of mental health, and what needs to change in the Forces to ensure that men and women are getting the support they need to deal with everything from depression to PTSD. And this is just the beginning of what we have to offer. So get stuck in! I’d love to hear your feedback on this issue, and please do let me know what you’d like to see in the magazine going forward. Just email me using the details to the left.

Until next time,

Lindsay Cochrane, Editor ©DC Publishing Ltd 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without prior written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of DC Publishing Ltd. The publisher takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers within the publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that information is accurate; while dates and prices are correct at time of going to print, DC Publishing Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions and errors.

www.advancemagazine.co.uk

003_ADV_A17_Welcome.indd 3

3

21/06/2017 16:06

WHAT’S INSIDE

CONTENTS REAL-LIFE

6 RACING TO RECOVERY

6

A group of injured military men are on a mission – to become the first team of disabled drivers to compete in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race. We spoke with Team BRIT founder Dave Player and team member Jimmy Hill to find out more about it.

30

WORK

8 MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH SOUTH CENTRAL AMBULANCE SERVICE

Two ex-military personnel share their experience of working with SCAS.

10 FRONTLINE EMERGENCY PERSONNEL

Your skills and experience from the Forces transfer brilliantly to a number of different roles in the emergency services, from police constable to paramedic. We take a look at some of the opportunities that are out there.

14 WHY HIRE EX-FORCES PERSONNEL?

Some of the nation’s biggest companies share with Advance why they believe people with military experience make great employees.

FINANCE

21 REWARDS FOR FORCES

21 10

30 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

What’s going on in the months ahead to help you in your transition to Civvy Street? We round up some of the most useful events taking place this year.

4

23 PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Forces Pension Society general secretary John Pitt-Brooke tells us how the organisation can help you.

25 BECOMING A HOME OWNER

16 A CAREER THAT GOES PLACES

The world of logistics has lots of exciting roles on offer, from HGV and forklift truck drivers to distribution managers – and companies are crying out for people with experience like yours to get involved.

The team at Rewards for Forces stopped by to share how the site is making life more affordable for those in the Forces, exservicepeople and veterans.

TRAINING

18 AS EASY AS ELC

The Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme is opening up doors for military personnel to help boost both their chances in the Armed Forces and life beyond. We found out what the scheme is all about, and what it can do for you.

It’s the dream for many – but the reality of buying a home is often more complex than you’d think.

We take a look at what kind of support is out there to make home ownership more straightforward.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING 28 IT’S TIME TO TALK

Mental health is still a taboo in the military – so what needs to change?

We take a look at how prevalent mental health problems are within the Forces, and what services are available in terms of support.

www.advancemagazine.co.uk

004_AdvanceSu17_Contents.indd 4

19/06/2017 15:36

Paul Bennett, FPS Member

Our Members frequently ask us to review their pension award; in this case we discovered Paul had not been paid the supplement for his 4½ years’ commissioned service as a Late Entry Officer.

We deal with hundreds of such enquiries from our Members, helping them through the AFPS pension maze every month. Join us and see how we can help you. Or simply become a Member for the peace of mind of knowing we’re here to help you when you need us. You’ll be in good company; we have almost 50,000 Members.

VALUABLE MEMBERSHIP OFFERS Our Members have access to a range of exclusive offers with significant discounts from trusted Affiliates.

INDEPENDENT, NOT-FOR-PROFIT At the Forces Pension Society, we value our independence. It enables us to serve the interests of our Members as the Armed Forces Pension watchdog.

We hold governments of the day to account, arguing for better pensions and campaigning against unfairness in the schemes. For example, our 2015 campaign won the right for all widows to retain their pension on remarriage.

JOIN ONLINE NOW AND RECEIVE A FREE £150 RAMBLING & ADVENTURE HOLIDAY VOUCHER Visit our website at www.forcespensionsociety.org quoting Promo Code ADV2017 (T’s & C’s apply). Annual

You will receive a range of other membership

Membership for you and

offers, too.

your partner costs just £37.

JOIN US AND GET MORE FROM YOUR PENSION Forces Pension Society 68 South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall, London, SW8 1RL Tel: 020 7820 9988 - email: memsec@forpen.co.uk - www.forcespensionsociety.org

005_AdvanceSu17_ADV.indd Testimonial 2017 A4.indd 5 5

A member of

Cobseo The Confederation of Service Charities

20/06/2017 07/06/2017 11:39 13:48

REAL-LIFE

RECOVERY A team of injured servicemen are joining forces to make history on the racetrack – and nothing’s going to get in their way. Team BRIT founder Dave Player and team member Jimmy Hill tell Advance’s Lindsay Cochrane about their high-speed journey so far

W

hen Dave Player set up KartForce in 2010, he knew it would be a success – but he could never have envisaged the level it would go to.

The charity introduces injured Service personnel to the world of endurance karting – giving them a chance to try out the adrenalinefuelled, competitive sport in a fully accessible environment, complete with advanced hand controls that enable anyone to get behind the wheel and get driving.

But this isn’t your typical whirl round a track on a Saturday afternoon with your mates.

Endurance karting is exactly what it sounds like – you’re racing for long stints, sometimes up to 24 hours.

“The whole idea is to let the

lads race on a totally level playing field in mainstream karting,” says Dave, a former Army man himself, serving in the Royal Engineers from 1983 to 1988. “So we’ll do anything from two-hour to 24-hour races at tracks all over the country and even abroad.”

NEXT GEAR In 2015, some of the men Dave and the team were working with asked if they could move things up a gear and try out endurance racing. Team BRIT was born.

“It’s not a charity – it’s a limited company,” Dave explains. “It’s owned by the KartForce charity, but the reason we set it up as a company is because one of the things we want to do is teach the lads business skills. Karting’s great

– and it’s free with us. But the lads are going to have to work for their seat in Team BRIT. And if they don’t work, they don’t race.

You could be the best racing driver in the world, but if you don’t work, you won’t race.”

Endurance racing takes driving to the next level. In teams of two, drivers take to the road for long periods, trying to avoid any damage to their car in the process. Until now, the sport hasn’t been an option for drivers with amputations or mobility issues – the push-pull hand controls used in everyday cars simply don’t work for this type of competition. Which is why Dave has come up with an alternative.

“We’ve now got the world’s most advanced set of race hand controls, that allow anybody with a disability to race using their hands only,” Dave explains. “It’s really, really technologically advanced. A normal everyday car has an ECU, a

In the Royal Marines you’re part of a family; being part of a team again is great. You’re surrounded by people in a similar situation. They get it 6

www.advancemagazine.co.uk

006-007_AdvanceSu17_TeamBrit.indd 6

19/06/2017 15:08

computer. Just the brake system in our hand controls has seven EPUs.” With the technology in place, the next issue was identifying the talent to take it on. Team BRIT have two cars at present, and four drivers – Warren McKinlay (former lance corporal in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers), Tony Williams (former corporal, Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corps), Andy Searle (former rifleman in the Rifles Regiment) and Jimmy Hill (a serving Royal Marines corporal).

LEARNING CURVE Jimmy, above, is the newest member of the team. The 34-yearold is looking to transition to civilian life this year, following an injury in Afghanistan in 2013. His unit came under fire, and he was hit seven times by a machine gun.

Five shots hit his legs, resulting in a fractured femur, damaged calf and damaged sciatic nerve. With the support of Headley Court, he’s made a good recovery – but still has a semi-paralysed ‘dropped’ foot.

“I’m not from a racing background, so it’s been a bit of a steep learning curve,” Jimmy admits. “I was into contact sports, but because of my injury, I can no

longer do that. But racing has that competitive edge, it’s a challenge.”

And the biggest challenge is yet to come. Dave and the team have set themselves a mission – to become the first team of disabled drivers to make it to Le Mans, the 24-hour French race hailed as the biggest in the sport.

“We looked at that as a massive, massive challenge,” says Dave. “We know where we want to go. We know how to get there. So we have a four-year plan. This year, we’ve got two cars competing in the Fun Cup series – four six-hour races and a 25-hour race in July. Then, next year, we’ll step up to GT4 racing, and the year after that, GT3. You can’t just enter Le Mans – you have to qualify.”

BOND And the team are working hard to make that a reality, getting together to train three times a month at tracks across the country. The four men have already formed a strong bond, crucial in the sport “In the Royal Marines, you are part of a family,” Jimmy says. “And you do lose that camaraderie, the bond, the brotherhood. Being part of a team again is great. You’re surrounded by people in a similar

situation. Not just injuries, different circumstances. Good days, bad days, family situations, day-to-day struggles – they get it.”

For now, the focus for all of the men is on training hard – and trying to make history in the process. As well as giving him a new hobby, Jimmy says that racing has helped him in his recovery and dealing with his impending transition to Civvy Street.

“It’s definitely unknown territory,” he admits. “But it’s taking my mind off it. Playing football, you lose yourself. Nothing else matters apart from chasing a ball. And driving is very much the same. You turn up at eight o’clock in the morning, you get your racing brief, then you’re out on the track. It’s a day where you forget the situation that you’re in. It does help mentally. You’re one of the drivers on the track. It gives you a bit of pride as well. I don’t want to just turn up and take a seat, because a lot of people would love to be in my position.” n

FIND OUT MORE To keep up to date with the latest from Team BRIT, head to www.teambrit.co.uk www.advancemagazine.co.uk

006-007_AdvanceSu17_TeamBrit.indd 7

7

19/06/2017 15:08

WORK

IN ASSOCIATION WITH SOUTH CENTRAL AMBULANCE SERVICE

MAKE A DIFFERENCE with South Central Ambulance Service

SCAS actively engaging with service leavers who are looking for a new career. Here’s your chance to find out more about the organisation and people who have already transitioned

S

outh Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) is part of the National Health Service (NHS).

SCAS’ main functions are: • Accident and emergency service responding to 999 calls • Provision of the NHS 111 service • Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) SCAS started working with the Career Transition Partnership

(CTP) two years ago to recruit service leavers through job fairs hosted by CTP. Since then, military recruitment at SCAS has grown, and more in-depth recruitment-related activity is taking place.

SCAS have a number of roles in their organisation suitable for someone looking to transition out of service and wanting to work in an environment with similar values.

All vacancies can be found at www.scasjobs.co.uk.

Peter Ludlam

What’s your military background?

For 10 years, I worked as a regular – during this time I was a driver covering the medical units. I also spent eight years in the Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), guarding military bases.

What do you enjoy most about working for SCAS? I’m enjoying all aspects of the role; it’s a steep learning curve

8

PARAMEDIC What’s your military background?

I joined the Royal Air Force in 2004 and trained as an RAF medic. Later in my career I completed a DIP HE in paramedic science. I completed tours in several operational theatres including Iraq and Afghanistan in a variety of medical roles.

What interested you about the ambulance service?

As an already qualified paramedic, the ambulance service was a natural path for me to pursue. There is a clear career progression route, including education and management opportunities.

EMERGENCY CARE ASSISTANT

What transferable skills do you utilise in your role with SCAS? It’s a very personal job.

Working closely with people in the military has aided my transition into the role of an emergency care assistant.

Jenna Machin

but a challenge that I am enjoying.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in working for SCAS? I would suggest that they go for it! You’ll be well looked after and find the role very rewarding.

How was your transition into SCAS? Transitioning to Civvy Street is often paved with much excitement, along with worry and anxiety. I was very fortunate to meet Laura Farrow (SCAS recruitment advisor) at the SCAS military recruitment day. Laura maintained an open door policy throughout my entire recruitment process as well as several face-to-face meetings. This remained right up until my first operational day as a fully-fledged SCAS Paramedic.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in working for SCAS? I would advise service leavers to attend a CTP SCAS military recruitment day; this gives you the opportunity to speak face-to-face with veterans employed within a variety of SCAS roles. Do not be discouraged if you’re not from a medical background as there are several routes in, and a variety of different roles within SCAS.

www.advancemagazine.co.uk

008_AdvanceSu17_Ambulance.indd 8

21/06/2017 09:10

We exist to provide a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families.

We support up to 100 front line charities and specialist organisations – such as SSAFA, Combat Stress, Royal Star & Garter and the NSPCC – to deliver help on our behalf. We also make direct grants to some 5,000 individuals, ranging in age from 6 months to 105 years old.

Through our network of support, our work touches the lives of around 80,000 people worldwide, every year.

Donate or get involved in fundraising at www.soldierscharity.org facebook.com/soldierscharity

instagram.com/soldierscharity

@soldierscharity ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1146420) and Scotland (039189). Registered Office: Mountbarrow House, 12 Elizabeth Street, London SW1W 9RB, Tel: 020 7901 8900, Email: fundraising@soldierscharity.org

Gary Jamieson, former Scots Guardsmen, injured in Afghanistan in 2010, Charity Beneficiary. © Malcolm Cochrane

009_AdvanceSu17_ADV.indd 9

20/06/2017 11:40

WORK

Frontline

EMERGENCY PERSONNEL

Serving in the Armed Forces will give you invaluable skills and experiences that can be seamlessly transferred into civilian roles – and the emergency services are full of fantastic opportunites

C

onfident, experienced in working in stressful and time-sensitive environments, excellent team player, can make decisions under pressure – sound like someone you know? Having served in the military and experienced numerous situations many can only imagine can make you an ideal candidate for the emergency services.

There are 145,000 police officers in the UK, 50,000 fire and rescue personnel, 17,000 qualified paramedics, and a role waiting just for you. Working within the emergency services with a military background makes you highly desirable, and allows you to utilise your talents to improve the lives of others.

Ambulance Being in the military is sure to have made a significant impact on communication skills. Whether you have medical experience or not, a career as a paramedic can be incredibly rewarding.

Experience of making critical decisions under pressure, working with people from different backgrounds and caring for others are key attributes for paramedics.

10

www.advancemagazine.co.uk

010_AdvanceSu17_EmergencyServices.indd 10

Police The first on the scene in many major events, the police are at the frontline of emergency safety. How you become a police officer depends on the role you have your eye on.

Different branches of the police force have roles, from officers on the street to mechanics, solicitors to analyst programmers – and qualifications and requirements for a role in the force are always clearly marked on job descriptions.

The Metropolitan Police can offer roles on the beat, or straight entry for inspector and superintendent roles. Having a proven track record of being a leader, making rational decisions under pressure and being

Alongside excellent interpersonal skills, training to be a paramedic will see you obtain new qualifications as part of your training including a Diploma in Emergency Care Support, Diploma for Associate Ambulance Practitioners and a qualification in Emergency Response Ambulance Driving.

With no two days the same within the role, working as a paramedic is an excellent way to further develop your military skill set.

a role model will make you the ideal candidate for early entry into The Met’s inspector and superintendent programme, or as a beat officer.

What’s more...

This is just the beginning of what’s on offer – emergency call handlers, fire fighters, ambulance drivers, search and rescue and bomb disposal experts are also in demand. The emergency services offer a great career path for those who have left service and are keen to ensure their skills are still applied in emergency settings. There are positions waiting to be filled with confident, caring and intelligent people who work well under pressure – you.

19/06/2017 15:21

7 Reasons why now is the time to gain new finance skills 1. You don’t need to be a maths genius Accountancy isn’t all about maths.

OK, numeracy is important, but it’s only one of a number of required skills - software does much of the number crunching these days.

2. Finance skills are broad It’s not just technical skills. Finance is just as much about advising business on how to work better.

3. Work in almost any industry From fashion to entertainment, construction to non-profits, every industry needs people with finance skills.

4. It’s a great basis for being an entrepreneur If all businesses need finance professionals, it makes sense for those starting them to have some finance experience themselves.

5. It’s perfect if you’re an adventurer who wants to live abroad Accountancy is (arguably) the ultimate portable qualification. The principles apply all over the world and membership of ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is globally recognised and respected.

6. You don’t need a degree You don’t need a degree or business background. There’s nothing stopping you getting in on the ground floor with accountancy courses for beginners.

7. Finance roles are (almost) recession-proof OK, nothing is 100% recession-proof, but accountancy comes pretty close.

When times are hard, it’s usually departments such as sales and marketing which are hardest hit.

Conversely, money troubles usually mean extra work for the finance department!

Working with UK Military Families ACCA is proud to work with UK Military personnel and their families. We have a history of supporting the development of transferable skills for employment.

“We have been working in partnership with the ACCA to support Army spouses to increase their skills and in turn the possibility of employment opportunities.

The ACCA-X course provides low cost, flexible learning opportunities which work well around army life.”

Laura Lewin | Employment, Training, Allowances & Money Specialist | Army Families Federation “This is a wonderful course! It is helping me to improve my skills for the workplace and in my personal finances as well.”

- Sara

011_AdvanceSu17_ADV.indd 11

Get the skills with ACCA-X online courses Studying finance and accountancy with ACCA-X is your opportunity to see if a career in accountancy is for you.

Try our free introductory and intermediate online courses. To find out more and to enrol visit our website:

www.acca-x.com/advance

20/06/2017 11:40

WORK

IN ASSOCIATION WITH JAGUAR LAND ROVER

READY FOR A NEW MISSION

AT JAGUAR LAND ROVER’S HALEWOOD PLANT

J

Jaguar Land Rover tell us about their work with the Armed Forces community

aguar Land Rover’s support for the inspirational Armed Services charity Mission Motorsport has already proved to be a major success on a number of fronts. As well as playing a vital role in helping many injured former service personnel to “race, recover and retrain” by enabling them to take part in motorsport events, the company has also benefited greatly by gaining some outstanding new colleagues.

Mike Burton is the latest former serviceman to join the Jaguar Land Rover team via Mission Motorsport – and the former sergeant with the Royal Lancers is the first to work at the company’s Merseyside-based plant.

With a passion for off-road driving “and all things seriously muddy” as well as a background in the Army, Mike had always hoped his skills might enable him to find a job in the automotive industry.

STARTING AFRESH Unfortunately, those plans had to be accelerated when Mike was injured during training.

“I sustained injuries to my hands whilst getting ready to be deployed overseas and that meant I could not continue with an Army career. So 12

like many other guys, I suddenly had to start making fresh plans,” explains Mike. “However, through Mission Motorsport, I joined the Defender Challenge in February 2016.

It was just the sort of event I wanted to take part in and it proved to be a brilliant opportunity for me as well.”

Mike found himself managing the Mission Motorsport team, being responsible for making sure the team’s rally-prepped Defender was able to compete in all seven rounds of the gruelling competition.

Jaguar Land Rover colleagues taking part in the Defender Challenge were impressed by what they saw, in particular Mike’s ability to get a team of recovering soldiers race-ready in such a short timeframe. In October 2016 Mike was invited to take part in a two-week work placement at Halewood.

“Everyone was really welcoming and supportive,” adds Mike. “As I am local to Halewood and my family is from this area, just getting the opportunity to come to the factory and see whether I could make a contribution meant a great to deal me.”

DETERMINATION With the encouragement of people from across the business and having

also secured an NVQ in engineering, Mike put himself forward for interviews and is now working at Halewood as a Torque Integrity Assurance Programme (TIAP) engineer.

Mike’s ability and determination to get a team of injured and still recuperating servicemen through seven hard rounds of competitive rallying has also been recognised at the Royal Foundation’s ‘Endeavour Fund Awards’ ceremony in London earlier this year.

Mike was nominated for the prestigious Henry Worsley Award which celebrates people who have taken part in a major sporting challenge or adventure designed to help themselves and others overcome their injuries.

“I was a bit shocked and surprised to be nominated considering some of the incredible things the other people had done,” Mike explains.

“However, it was good to have Mission Motorsport and Jaguar Land Rover recognised and to highlight what has been achieved so far.” n FIND OUT MORE To find out more about career opportunities at Jaguar Land Rover, visit www.jaguarlandrovercareers. com or www.ctp.org.uk/job-finding/ directory/jaguar-land-rover

www.advancemagazine.co.uk

012_AdvanceSu17_Jaguar.indd 12

21/06/2017 15:51

GET EXC LU S IV E MI LI TA RY SAV I N G S A N D B E N E FI TS At Jaguar Land Rover, we have a long history of supporting the British Military. In particular, we are committed to helping ex-armed forces personnel with and to reintegrate into successful civilian careers.

If you’re a full-time, serving member of Her Majesty’s Forces, you’re entitled to exclusive benefits and preferential prices on a new Jaguar or Land Rover.

Armed forces personnel and former serving* have some impressive and exclusive benefits:

- Savings available of up to 30% on a new Jaguar and up to 12.5% on a new Land Rover - Personalised specification designed around exact requirements

We are delighted to extend this offer to all Former Military Personnel who have left the service up to and including 5 years*.

- RHD or LHD depending on your posting demands

Take advantage of your status with savings of up to 30% on a new Jaguar and up to 12.5% on a new Land Rover.

- Tax Free / Tax Paid pricing options

- Dedicated experienced military sales support - Finance packages available subject to status*

MARSHALL MILITARY SALES Jaguar and Land Rover House, Mallory Road, Peterborough PE1 5PT +44 (0)1733 213231. jaguarlandrovermilitarysales.com WESTOVER LAND ROVER SALISBURY Westover Land Rover, Old Sarum Park, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 6EB +44 (0)1722 414400. westovermilitarysales.co.uk/landrover WESTOVER JAGUAR POOLE Westover House, West Quay Road, Poole BH15 1JF +44 (0)7909 993724. westovermilitarysales.co.uk/jaguar Models shown Jaguar XF and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. *Finance is subject to status and only available to full time members of HM Forces and Ex full time Serving members qualify up to 5 years from date of termination, aged 18 and over resident in Mainland UK and N.Ireland. Indemnities may be required. Prices and savings correct at time of going to press. Terms and conditions apply.

013_AdvanceSu17_ADV.indd 13

20/06/2017 11:41

WORK

WHY HIRE

EX-FORCES PERSONNEL? We spoke with some of the big-name companies offering employment and training opportunities for men and women from a military background to find out what they feel you could bring to their business

Persimmon “Persimmon has enjoyed many benefits from working with ex-Forces personnel.

It’s no secret that there is a shortage of trained people to support the industry.

The ex-Forces people who have joined our business have more than proved their worth. They are hard-working, quick to learn new skills and extremely valuable team members.”

Gareth Barnes, resource manager, and head of Persimmon Homes’ Combat to Construction programme (www.persimmonjobs.com)

Network Rail

Yodel

“Network Rail regards those with military experience in high esteem; they’re disciplined with a certain rigour, tenacious, look for solutions, have a good team ethos, are loyal and selfless individuals. But the biggest connection is safety. Those with a military background will know that keeping yourself and your colleagues safe is a top priority in the Forces. And it is for us too.”

Network Rail (www.networkrail.co.uk/careers)

Barclays “Veterans have a wealth of experience and a highly transferable skill set that makes them a valuable asset in the civilian world. From leadership to discipline, and the ability to organise, plan and find solutions to complex problems, all these skills gained in the military are just as relevant in the civilian workplace. Employers are missing a trick if they fail to see this.”

Stuart Tootal, head of the Barclays Armed Forces Transition, Employment and Resettlement (AFTER) programme (jobs.barclays.co.uk)

Jaguar Land Rover

“Jaguar Land Rover’s ultimate ambition is to become the employer of choice for those leaving the military, and we are working hard to realise this goal with a number of programmes embedded into our business. Armed Forces personnel are equipped with a number of core skills, from leadership and team working skills to the ability to cope under pressure. We are committed to ensuring that Jaguar Land Rover remains at the forefront of providing lifelong learning opportunities.”

“At Yodel, we’re proud to have signed up to the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, a voluntary pledge made to demonstrate our support for the Armed Forces community. We deliver millions of parcels a week and, like a military operation, it calls for precision, focus and structure on an enormous scale to bring everything together. We find that strong leadership and organisational skills, accuracy and the ability to keep calm under pressure, all of which are vital in logistics, come second nature to ex-service personnel.”

Lynne Graham, HR director, Yodel (www.yodelcareers.co.uk)

Transport for London “The technical expertise and skills that have been developed during service, such as problem-solving and working under pressure, are ideal for the positions that can be hard to fill within the transport industry. Our award-winning Smart Sourcing programme, which has so far primarily focused on those leaving the Armed Forces, has been a great success. It supports people who may encounter barriers when trying to gain employment and once they’re in the workplace.”

Charlotte Johns, head of recruitment at Transport for London (TfL) (tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers)

Rob Lummis, employee experience manager and head of Armed Forces Steering Committee, Jaguar Land Rover (www.jaguarlandrovercareers.com) 14

www.advancemagazine.co.uk

014_AdvanceSu17_WhyServices.indd 14

19/06/2017 15:52

Give something back Working for Defence

Employers visiting Reservists in Norway.

Volunteering with the Army Cadet Force gives you the opportunity to give something back by helping young people reach their full potential. Interested? For more information go to the websites below.

www.hrfca.co.uk

www.lowlandrfca.org.uk

Highland and Lowland RFCAs work hard to establish enduring links throughout Scotland between employers and Defence. As well as dealing with – and resolving – individual issues, they encourage employers to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. By committing their support to these, employers promise that they will treat all members of the wider Armed Forces community fairly, whether service leavers and their families, wounded, injured or sick, volunteer reservists or members of the Service Cadets. In return, employers stand to benefit from the unrivalled skills, experience and personal qualities offered by members of the Armed Forces community. To find out more contact Ron Macgregor (Highland) on 01382 631026 or Colin Vooght (Lowland) on 0141 945 6751.

www.hrfca.co.uk

www.lowlandrfca.org.uk

RESERVE FORCES’ & CADETS’ ASSOCIATION FOR WALES CYMDEITHAS LLUOEDD WRTH GEFN A CHADETIAID DROS GYMRU

015_AdvanceSu17_ADV.indd 15

20/06/2017 11:41

WORK

● Distribution manager A distribution manager plays a key part in logistics for many companies, coordinating the movement of goods from A to B. They’re responsible for making strategic decisions, coordinating inventory management, warehousing and haulage, tracking deliveries and much more. This is the person at the distribution hub who’s deciding what goes where essentially – and making sure it makes it to its final destination on time and in one piece. This job is all about organisation and logical thinking.

Some employers look for a degree, but it’s not always essential.

● Driver jobs There’s a number of different jobs available in driving, from multi-drop van drivers delivering to homes on a local level, to HGV drivers going the length and breadth of the country in huge lorries and trucks. This is a good line of work for ex-Forces – you can use your organisation and planning skills to coordinate the best route, and to communicate back to your distribution hub. These roles are open to anyone with the appropriate driving license and background checks. Companies like DHL, Yodel and Amazon all have opportunities for ex-military personnel, so get in touch.

● Warehouse manager For big companies with lots of stock, an organised warehouse is essential – which is where warehouse managers come in.

They’re responsible for making sure everything is safe and accounted for before it goes on to be dispatched to where it needs to be. On top of this, they’re tasked with implementing systems to track stock, they’re looking after staff and making sure there are no health and safety risks.

● Warehouse operative On the shop floor, warehouse operatives are there to pick stock for orders, pack up packages, load and unload vans and lorries – they’re the people carrying out the manager’s orders in the warehouse essentially. This can be a physically demanding job with long hours, but if you have an organised mind, it’s a great line of work.

16

A career that goes places...

LOGISTICS

Moving things by road, rail and sea, the world of logistics has lots of exciting opportunities, many of which are brilliantly suited to ex-military personnel. We take a look at some of the roles worth checking out

● Import-export clerk

● Forklift truck driver

In this career path, you’ll need to be a strong communicator with first-class organisational skills.

Import-export clerks manage freight bookings using a computer system, check order forms and tax documents, arrange deliveries between ports, airports and houses, handle invoices and deal with problems or delays. It’s a really varied role, where you get to speak with people from all over the world.

Get your forklift driving license, and this could be the job for you! This is an important role in warehouses across the country, with qualified drivers responsible for shifting heavy goods and unloading equipment – because not everything can be dealt with manually. Shift work is often required, but the pay can be good. With time and experience, you could get promoted to shift leader or supervisor. ■

www.advancemagazine.co.uk

016_AdvanceSu17_Logistics.indd 16

19/06/2017 15:54

FTX Logistics Ltd has a PFI contract with the Ministry of Defence. Within the contract FTX Logistics provides the MoD with a fleet of 92 Heavy Equipment Transporters (HET). HET provides the British Army’s heavy lift capability across the UK and on main land Europe. FTX Logistics also provides the Army with one third of the manpower to deliver this service.

Positions available C+E DRIVERS who want the opportunity to drive and operate one of the largest truck and trailer combinations on the road mixed with commercial driving local to your home address.

HGV MECHANICS to work at one of our two sites in the UK, Bulford Wiltshire and Catterick North Yorkshire.

All Driver Operators and Mechanics have a Sponsored Reservist commitment.

Key points • Commercial driving in your local area.

• HET work across the UK and Europe.

• You must be eligible to become a Sponsored Reservist.

• Very competitive salary based on average 48 hour week.

• Additional pay supplements are available.

• Download an application form on our web site For further information visit our website

www.ftxlog.com Call:

01980 667 119

Email: philmitchell@ftxlog.com

017_AdvanceSu17_ADV.indd 17

21/06/2017 16:59

ELC

B

oosting your education and skill set is an aspiration for many. Whether you’re looking into gaining qualifications in a trade, undertaking a certificate in a certain skill or going for university-level learning, there are opportunities for everyone.

The main drawback when it comes to education and training, however, is cost. Fees can vary widely, from £60 into the hundreds, and this can be really off-putting – which is why the MOD introduced Enhanced Learning Credits.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT “It’s basically a scheme that the military have provided for serving personnel – you can use it after you’ve left as well, for a certain period – to pursue personal development,” explains Jinty Morgan, military liaison officer with Hire a Hero, the charity offering employment advice and support to the Forces community. “Anybody who has completed phase one training will automatically become a member of the scheme.”

ELC provide funding towards personal development courses from approved providers, covering everything from locksmith training to personal trainer qualifications.

There are, however, certain conditions attached regarding how much ELCAS (the Enhanced Learning Credit Administration Service) will cover.

“To be on the lower tier, you have to have completed four years or more to qualify,” explains Jinty, who served 25 years in the Army herself. “Even though you’re registered on the scheme 18

after your phase one training, you still have to have completed four or more years to qualify for the service.”

The lower tier is funding of up to £1,000 per claim instalment, while the higher tier (eight years’ service) is up to £2,000 per claim instalment. You can only make three ELC claims in total, and one per financial year. However, if you have between six and eight years of service, you may be able to combine your three years of funding to use for one course. You must make a personal contribution of at least 20% from your own resources towards the total cost – but you can use your Resettlement Grant towards this.

Funding is also open to people who have left the military. You can use the scheme up to five years after leaving service, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

Before applying, you must get authorisation from your Single Service Representative.

DO YOUR RESEARCH “Enhanced Learning Credits allow you to pursue vocational achievement by undertaking learning at level three to eight on the National Qualification Framework,” says Jinty, who used ELC to pursue learning in the field of welfare herself. “It’s all about enhancing the reputation of the military.”

Make sure you research both the provider and the courses they have to offer thoroughly before submitting a claim for ELC funding – and double check that the course you like the look of is an approved course too. You have to present

The Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme is opening doors for those in the military, boosting both their opportunities within the Forces and in life beyond. We found out more about how it works

your Claim Authorisation Note (CAN) to your chosen provider before the course start date – failure to do so might result in you losing your membership to the scheme.

Prior to, or during resettlement, it’s important to start identifying what direction your career could take postmilitary – and ELC can be useful in this process. On the ELCAS website, you can take a look at courses offered by providers across a range of sectors, and get a feel for what could work for you. The training will give you a boost too – so when it comes to applying for jobs after service, you’ll have something extra on top of the skills and experience gained in the Forces.

“By taking your time and ensuring that you’re going into the right industry that suits you, this is a great way to enhance your credibility in something that you want to get into,” Jinty says.

“It’s a way of developing your personal needs – and it’s always good to learn something new.” ■

For more information on Hire a Hero and how they can boost your employment prospects, head to www.hireaherouk.org

Enhanced Learning Credits allow you to pursue vocational achievement by undertaking learning at level three to eight on the National Qualification Framework

www.advancemagazine.co.uk

018-019_AdvanceSu17_ELC.indd 18

21/06/2017 16:08

TRAINING

MEET THE PROVIDER:

THE ACADEMY OF PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATION

With, at last count, close to 600 approved ELC providers, there is plenty of choice – but what could it lead to? The Academy of Professional Investigation tell us more about what they have to offer, and where it can take you If you’re looking to move into a career which offers excitement, big challenges and the potential for good money, the world of professional private investigation could be for you – and you can train to do it through the Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme.

The Academy of Professional Investigation offer two nationally and internationally-recognised qualifications in profressional private investigation, developed in conjunction with IQ (Industry Qualifications).

The IQ Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators (QCF) – the SIA competency test for the future licensing of private investigators – is a qualification for those people who work as professional investigators and who will require an SIA private investigator license to practice.

The IQ Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Professional Private Investigation (RQF) provides a comprehensive A to Z teaching course in professional private investigation, which has been designed primarily for those people who have little or no previous private investigation experience, knowledge or qualifications.

The Academy is a Ministry of Defence ELCAS-approved learning provider, and you may qualify for a grant to cover 80% of the course. Speak with your resettlement office for more details, or head to www.enhancedlearningcredits. com to find out more. For more information on training with the Academy of Private Investigation, head to www.pi-academy.com.

FIND OUT MORE For more information on the Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme and to find out more about the different courses and providers, head to the ELCAS website, www.enhancedlearningcredits.com, or speak with your Education Staff for further details on how the application process works.

www.advancemagazine.co.uk

018-019_AdvanceSu17_ELC.indd 19

19

20/06/2017 10:31

YOU CAN MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO THEIR LIVES How about making a real difference by giving youngsters in your community the benefit of your experience by becoming an Army Cadet Force volunteer?

You will be challenging young people to learn more, do more and try more, whether it’s going on an expedition, reaching the next level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or learning how to become self-sufficient at annual camp.

Are you ready for a new challenge?

TO FIND OUT MORE JUST VISIT:

ARMYCADETS.COM/MILITARY

020_AdvanceSu17_ADV.indd 20

20/06/2017 11:42

FINANCE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH REWARDS FOR FORCES

W

hen we heard that a member of the Armed Forces who had recently returned from military operations was denied a discount in a major high street store, but a student in front of him was given one, we knew we had to act.

Here at Rewards for Forces, we recognise and respect that every person who chooses a military career and puts on a uniform does so by choice.

We believe that serving personnel, veterans and their families deserve high recognition and rewards for their service, bravery and dedication to the work that they do.

That’s why Rewards for Forces was made: to do just that!

WELCOME If you are part of our Forces community, Rewards for Forces is the website for you.

Serving personnel and their partners of the Navy, Army, Air Force, and veterans, service widows/ widowers, reservists, cadets, MOD civil servants and the Royal British Legion are all welcome.

Rewards for Forces is the UK’s largest discount website for Armed Forces, which features thousands of national and local discounts.

We have fantastic online and instore savings for you and your family, where you can save between £550 and £1,000 on average each year.

And you want to know the best thing? It’s free to sign up online! You can save money on restaurants and takeaways, local high street offers, health and fitness, travel and holidays and so much more!

However, if you want to take advantage of even more discounts, then keep reading…

REWARDS For an optional subscription, you and your family can have access to exclusive cinema rewards, saving up to 40% off tickets in over 380 cinemas in the UK. You can save money every day of the week on adult and child tickets, annual passes, and even popcorn and drinks. It makes a night out with the family far more affordable and accessible for everyone.

But that’s not all the discounts you

REWARDS FOR FORCES

The leading discount site for serving personnel, veterans and their families tell us more about what they have to offer can get your hands on with Rewards for Forces membership…

If you want to save EVEN MORE, you can purchase a Rewards for Forces Identification Card, where you can save loads more on the high street.

Whether you fancy a meal out, a shopping spree, or a day out with the kids, this card identifies you as a member of the Rewards for Forces Family, and acts as proof that you are serving or have served in the Armed Forces.

You can get discounts with lots of big-name companies, including Vodafone Frankie and Benny’s,

You can save money on restaurants and takeaways, local high street offers, health and fitness, travel and holidays Trespass, Krispy Kreme and many more – all for a one-off payment of just £24.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up, show your card with pride, and start saving today. ■

MORE INFORMATION

To find out more information, or if you’re a current serving or ex-serving member of the Armed Forces and would like to register for Rewards for Forces, please visit www.rewardsforforces.co.uk or call 01604 647 770. www.advancemagazine.co.uk

021_AdvanceSu17_RewardsForces.indd 21

21

19/06/2017 15:55

Get FF 30% O de o with c CE N ADVA

Learn how to teach English as a foreign language •

No experience necessary

•

Online and classroom courses available

•

100s of teaching vacancies available worldwide Call 01349 800 600 or visit www.tefl.org.uk for more information

Located on the South East coast of the beautiful Isle of Wight, Wightwater can be found in the middle of a 7 mile sandy bay and we are able to offer a variety of specialised water sports packages and courses for the complete novice up to the most advanced amongst us. We are recognised as one of the leading providers of sailing, surfing, windsurfing, stand up paddle boarding and kayaking on the South coast and we are fully accredited and licensed.

If the UK isn’t your thing, why not visit us at our centre on the South West coast of Portugal, open from March to October, here we can offer guaranteed surf, beautiful mountain biking trails and stand up paddleboard surfing.

Tel: Office: 01983 866269 Beach: 01983 404987 Email: wightwater@hotmail.co.uk

www.wightwaters.com

AN EXCITING, REWARDING AND ADVENTUROUS CAREER CHOICE Becoming a professional private investigator is an ideal opportunity for many Military personnel leaving the Service who have a wealth of skills and experience together with leadership qualities all of which are extremely beneficial in becoming a professional private investigator.

The Academy of Professional Investigation in conjunction with Industry Qualifications, being a UK Government Qualifications Awarding Body, have developed

two nationally and internationally recognised qualifications in professional private investigation both of which are regulated by Ofqual.

As Ex-forces personnel, you might well qualify for an ELCAS/ Enhanced Learning Credits grant and could get 80% of the course paid for. As long as you have the knowledge to do the job, which you will get by completing the course, all you need is a laptop,

a phone and a car. Then you are up and running.

You don’t need an office either, as most PIs work from home, and annual turnover can be anything from £50,000-£150,000 depending on how many assignments you want to take on. Being your own boss, with plenty of variety and choosing your own hours, makes it an exciting, rewarding and adventurous career choice.

www.pi-academy.com or call: 01444 441111 Academy of Professional Investigation | John de Mierre House | PO Box 813 | Haywards Heath | West Sussex | RH16 9LP

info@pi-academy.com

022_AdvanceSu17_ADV.indd 22

21/06/2017 14:45

FINANCE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH FORCES PENSION SOCIETY

FORCES PENSION SOCIETY

Planning for the future John Pitt-Brooke, general secretary of the Forces Pension Society, explains what the organisation has to offer you

I

am delighted to offer a warm welcome to Advance, a magazine which will, I know, help those managing the transition from service to civilian life.

I hope Advance prospers and brings muchneeded information and assistance to many people.

For the Forces Pension Society, Armed Forces pensions are at the heart of transition. How much will people receive?

Will it come as a lump sum or a regular pension? And when? And what can be done to influence that sum? And how secure will the arrangement be? These are vital questions, and they need to be answered clearly and with authority.

That is where we at the Forces Pension Society come in. We exist to help our members answer questions such as these and to talk to them about their pension entitlement, now and in the future. We pride ourselves on our very deep expertise in these areas and on the tremendous care, discretion, and attention to detail with which we deal with each and every member’s enquiry.

Our membership is rising steeply and is now higher than ever, at almost 50,000.

As the head of the Society, every Monday morning I receive our latest membership figures and every Monday morning we break the record we had set the previous week! Why is this? In part because of our high reputation; in part because since the introduction of the 2015 scheme, the pensions landscape has become so complex; and in part because of what can seem to be the inability of the Ministry of Defence to explain pensions issues with any kind of clarity or persuasiveness.

So what does the future hold? Well, we shall have to see how the new government settles down and what its priorities are for the Armed Forces. Before the general election, there was no shortage of rumours

about changes in the pension landscape – maybe even a brand new pension scheme – and we await announcements on this with close interest. Such is the expertise of the Society that we will have to be closely consulted over any proposed changes.

There are also, now as at any time, a number of difficult individual cases in which we are engaged with the MOD; in particular the tragic case of Charlotte Hughes, whose husband Sergeant Hughes died without amending his nomination form in his wife’s favour with the result that his death benefit lump sum has not gone to her. This is another aspect of the Society’s work for its members and for the Armed Forces community as a whole. This is vital work which affects us all.

The Society is very active indeed among those approaching and into the resettlement process, and that’s why we are delighted to have Advance alongside us – I hope you will find each of us a valuable feature of the transition landscape. You can certainly expect to see us again in these pages! ■

MORE INFORMATION For more information about the work of the Forces Pension Society, visit our website at www.forcespensionsociety.org or contact us at 68 South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall, London, SW8 1RL. Tel: 020 7820 9988 or email: memsec@forpen.co.uk

www.advancemagazine.co.uk

023_AdvanceSu17_ForcesPension.indd 23

23

20/06/2017 10:32

Mortgages

Free Whole of Market advice* We can help with Forces Help to Buy Your Financial Ally Call Us 00 800 00 01 02 03 0044 (0)345 658 1140 www.forcesmutual.org Mortgage Excellence Plc (MEX), trading as Forces Mutual, is registered in England & Wales No. 3527577. Registered office: Alexandra House, Queen Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6QS.. MEX is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP YOUR REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. Universal International Freephone Number (UIFN) - local connection charges may apply, please check with your telephone provider.Calls to 03 numbers usually cost no more than to geographic numbers (01 or 02) and are usually included in call packages, please check with your phone company if they are included in your package. *The advice and recommendation service is free. There is no charge for administering your mortgage application as a fee is received from the lender. Alternatively you can opt to pay a fee of 1% of the mortgage and receive a refund of the lender’s fee on completion FM1928 (0617)

024_AdvanceSu17_ADV.indd 24

20/06/2017 11:42

FINANCE

BECOMING A

HOMEOWNER

It’s the dream for many – but buying a home can be much more complex than you’d think, especially when you’re leaving the Forces. We take a look at what support is out there to help make the process easier

B

uying your own property is a pretty great feeling – but the path to home ownership doesn’t always run smooth.

Whether you’re still serving and looking for a home outside of service accommodation or you’re going through the resettlement process, you might be keen to look into the prospect of buying a home. Getting a mortgage, however, can be complex, as lenders want to make sure they’re giving money to someone who can pay it all back and on time.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though.

There are support services out there to make the process smoother.

BE SURE Before you start applying for mortgages, you’ll need to know what you’re able to afford and find a property that’s within your budget. The Money Advice Service (www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk) have a useful online calculator which helps you figure out realistically how much you can afford to spend on mortgage repayments

each month alongside all your other regular outgoings.

Take into account too things like legal fees, valuation fees, stamp duty for properties over £125,001, electronic transfer fees and even removal costs – all of this can really add up, so make sure you have money set aside for all of this.

HELPING HAND To get help with the process, some people choose to use a mortgage adviser or independent financial adviser. All you have to do is give them all of your details, and they will, for a fee, go find the best deal for you, with the least interest and most security.

Whether you’re using an adviser or looking to arrange your mortgage yourself, one path you might choose to go down is the Forces Help to Buy Scheme, which was introduced in April 2014. This allows servicemen and women to borrow an interest-free advance of up to 50% of their salary (to a limit of £25,000) which can be used towards the deposit on a mortgage. This is paid back over 10 years through your monthly salary. Most banks and building societies offer this, so it’s worth finding out more if the deposit is a hurdle for you.

Other schemes to help you get on the property ladder include Help to Buy ISAs where the government contributes towards your deposit savings, the Help to Buy scheme and shared ownership. Head to the Money Advice Service site to get a better understanding of what all of this means.

Here in the UK, 63.5% of households own their home – compared to 96.4% in Romania

MORTGAGES: THE BASICS A mortgage is a loan taken out to buy property or land

Most mortgages run for 25 years, but can be shorter or longer If you don’t keep up with your repayments, your home may be repossessed When buying a home, you’ll need a deposit to go towards the cost of the property – lenders usually ask for 10% of the value, but it can be less, and the bigger the deposit, the better rate you’ll get

www.advancemagazine.co.uk

025-026_AdvanceSu17_HomeBuying.indd 25

25

20/06/2017 10:54

FINANCE GO COMPARE Shop around too – it’s tempting to take your mortgage from the bank or building society that you bank with, but it’s not necessarily going to be the best deal.

What you want from your mortgage is to pay back as little as possible. With interest rates and various fees, you’re never going to pay back simply what you’ve asked to borrow – but by choosing a good deal, you’ll be able to get closer to that figure.

Sites like Money Supermarket (www.moneysupermarket), Which (www. which.co.uk) and Money Saving Expert (www.moneysavingexpert.com) all have easy-to-use mortgage comparison tools, where you can input how much you’ll have for a deposit, how much you’re looking to borrow and the proposed term, and it will show you what all the major mortgage providers are offering.

There are a number of Forces-specific charities and organisations out there who can offer support to make home-buying a less stressful experience, including Forces Mutual (www.forcesmutual.org), Money Force (www.moneyforce.org.uk) and Armed Forces Financial Services (www.affs.co.uk). If you need help understanding the process or advice on who to talk to, get in touch and see what they can do.

Home ownership may be costly, but having a place to call your own is a great feeling – and it’s definitely not out of reach. Start making contact with relevant organisations now to see if this is an option for you. n

MAKING THE MOVE WITH THE HELP OF FORCES MUTUAL Forces Mutual share how they help Forces personnel with the home-buying process The world of finance can be a minefield, and having the right people on-side to help you navigate it is sometimes crucial. And that’s where we at Forces Mutual come in.

Financial support organisation Forces Mutual exists to improve the lives of our members. Our mortgage service really helps members to save money, save time and take the stress out of the home-buying process.

In one recent case, we provided an end-to-end service for a chef serving in the Army, who needed a mortgage to move to a larger property to support his growing family and the arrival of his second child.

The appointment with the mortgage adviser was held on-base at HMNB Drake, where the member was on attachment. Having access

26

to the adviser on-base saved lots of valuable time.

Having a full understanding of the member’s needs meant that we were able to recommend the most suitable mortgage for his needs – a market leading five-year fixed rate deal at a lower rate than his existing mortgage. The deal also included the benefit of a free valuation and, combined with the lower rate, it gave the member a total saving of around £1,400.

We provided a conveyancing quotation through Forces Mutual Conveyancing too, which was around £1,000 cheaper than the quotation provided by the estate agent – and it included free Buyers Protect cover (worth £100) and safeguarding up to £1,850 in fees, just in case the chain collapsed.

Forces Mutual, unlike most other mortgage advice firms, do not charge any advice fees, which is a typical saving of around £500. So when you add this to the large savings made on the mortgage deal and conveyancing, we saved our member around £3,000 which he could then use to help furnish the new home.

To find out more about the services offered by Forces Mutual, head to the website at www.forcesmutual. org, or call 00 800 00 01 02 03.

www.advancemagazine.co.uk

025-026_AdvanceSu17_HomeBuying.indd 26

20/06/2017 10:54

Making home ownership a reality Southern Home Ownership offers a variety of developments on a shared ownership basis.

Find your new home with our shared ownership experts.

To find your dream home visit: www.shosales.co.uk or call us 0300 555 2171 Southern Home Ownership Ltd is a housing association. Industrial & Provident Societies no: 1852R Registered Office: Fleet House 59-61 Clerkenwell Road London EC1M 5LA

027_AdvanceSu17_ADV.indd 27

20/06/2017 11:43

MENTAL H E

IT’S TIM E M

ental health problems are on the rise in the UK – and amongst the military community. Experts reckon that this is due to more people coming forward and seeking help, rather than a rise in the number of people suffering. Either way, it’s a concern – and it’s something that needs to be spoken about.

In the Armed Forces, mental health is still very much a taboo.

Despite charity efforts and awareness campaigns, the men and women of the military are often still reluctant to come forward and talk about their challenges and seek help.

“The problem we have in the military – and I served in the Air Force for 16 years – is that we have a culture where people are training to fend for themselves, to deal with problems and to sort things out,” explains Dr Walter Busuttil, medical director with Combat Stress, the veterans’ mental health charity. “And really there’s a culture, if you go off sick, people will laugh at you.”

The problem we have in the military is that we have a culture where people are training to fend for themselves, to deal with problems and to sort things out

28

DIFFERENT FORMS Mental illness amongst military personnel can take a number of different forms – contrary to popular belief. While posttraumatic stress disorder is the most commonly spoken-about mental health condition when it comes to the military, serving service personnel and veterans are also susceptible to issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, some of which can be triggered by experiences on the job.

Recognising the signs and symptoms that you might not be coping with your mental health can be tough. Things like disturbed sleep, mood swings,

www.advancemagazine.co.uk

028-029_AdvanceSu17_MentalHealth.indd 28

19/06/2017 15:27

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

H EALTH:

M E TO TALK disproportionate worrying, inability to focus and avoiding certain situations can all be signs that you’re dealing with a wider problem. PTSD in particular is often accompanied by flashbacks or recurrent nightmares – which shouldn’t be ignored.

PTSD, while a risk when working in potentially dangerous circumstances, is in fact just as prevalent amongst Forces personnel as it is with the general population.

“About three to five per cent in the general population experience PTSD,” explains Dr Busuttil. “It’s about four per cent in people who are serving in the military, whether or not they’ve been deployed – by which I mean they’ve been sent to a war zone, not necessarily fighting. If you do the eyeball-toeyeball fighting, it’s around 6.9% risk of getting PTSD.” SPEAKING UP The issue in the military, Dr Busuttil argues, isn’t so much mental health problems themselves – but rather, the reluctance to speak up and get support. When untreated, things like PTSD, anxiety and depression can get worse and harder to manage – and they can have a real impact on your day-to-day life too.

Rob Dolan, from Welwyn Garden City, lived with the symptoms of PTSD for 15 years before he reached out and got help. Since being put in touch with Combat Stress, he says his life has changed completely – for the better.

“I’m a typical bloke in that respect,” admits Rick, who served for 11 years in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps after joining at the age of 16. “It’s the whole mental health issue. People don’t want to talk about it. It’s only now that I

In a line of work where self-reliance is encouraged, many members of the Forces are reluctant to speak out about what’s going on inside their heads – but experts say it’s time they did

look back that I realise that it was quite severe at times.”

Rob suffered with a variety of symptoms, including nightmares and a short temper, for years after leaving the Army. After being issued with an ultimatum by his wife – get help or their marriage was over – Rob went to his GP for support. He was referred first to his local mental health team, and then to Combat Stress for specialist support. He went to their

MENTAL ILLNESS AND THE MILITARY:

THE FACTS

PTSD isn’t the only mental illness which affects those in the Forces – depression, anxiety, panic attacks and substance misuse are all experienced too.

Mental illness can affect men and women of any rank.

Post-traumatic stress is no more prevalent in the Forces than it is with the general population.

1 in 5 veterans are likely to suffer with some form of common mental illness, which has been caused or aggravated by their military experience.

PTSD can be triggered by traumatic experiences both in the field of combat and beyond – for instance, during training or while administering medical support.

The number of veterans seeking help for their mental health has increased in recent years – but charities think that this is due to increased awareness and more willingness to talk than an increase in the numbers of people suffering.

treatment centre in Surrey last July for two weeks, followed by a sixweek stay in August.

“The help and support that they’ve given me has been phenomenal,” he says. “My son came down to visit during the six-week stay. We were sitting with a psychiatrist, and he said, ‘What have you done to my dad? This one’s much better.’ That really hit home how much I’d been hiding all that time.”

GETTING HELP As Rob will testify, reaching out is the best approach – and there’s a range of different treatments and support options available, from talking therapies to medication.

For those still serving, there is very good mental health support available, both through GPs and specialist mental health teams – so ask the question, and get help. If you’re back on Civvy Street, make an appointment to see your doctor, and ask to be referred onto your local mental health support team or psychological services. Combat Stress too have lots of support, including a 24-hour helpline which you can call at any time if you feel like you aren’t coping.

“The first issue is to admit to yourself that there is a problem,” says Dr Busuttil. “The second thing is to talk to someone you trust. Whether that’s a friend or your wife or your husband, find someone to bounce off whether or not there are obvious things that are wrong. As long as you admit that there’s a problem, there’s help.

That’s positive.”

ADVICE AND SUPPORT Combat Stress www.combatstress.org.uk 24-hour helpline: 0800 138 1619 www.advancemagazine.co.uk

028-029_AdvanceSu17_MentalHealth.indd 29

29

19/06/2017 15:25

WORK

19 July

BT Transition Force Careers Event Midlands www.projectfortis.co.uk

FOR YOUR

DIARY In the months ahead, you can check out a number of recruitment events specifically targeting ex-military personnel. Here’s what’s out there Dates throughout the year

CTP Employment Fairs Various venues www.ctp.org.uk

Career Transition Partnership (CTP) organise several events in partnership with the MOD throughout the year to bring you closer to potential employers. Their events are for ex-military candidates looking to network and meet employers who understand the skills and experiences service leavers have. During the fair, you can expect presentations from key employers, and meet fellow service leavers alongside CTP staff providing information.

6 July

Dates throughout the year

National Employment and Careers Fair

Step into Health Information Days

An excellent opportunity to network and meet new people, with over 2,000 jobs available from more than 30 companies. This event provides the Armed Forces community with the perfect chance to discover future job options or gather more info on the next steps available.

After registering, you will automatically be eligible for a free CV ‘health check’ to help prepare for the job fair.

Working in conjunction with The Royal Foundation and Walking With the Wounded, Step Into Health is all about showcasing the plethora of career opportunities available for service leavers within the National Health Service.

During their information days, you will learn how the NHS works, with hands-on demonstrations detailing how military skills can be transferred into the NHS. Fast-track recruitment is also available within some organisations.

Oakham www.bfrss.org.uk

20 September

26 October

Glasgow www.fdmgroup.com

Online www.ctp.org.uk

FDM Group Ex-Forces Insight Day The UK’s leading graduate employer in IT, FDM will ensure you have success in the field of business and technology. At FDM, their ex-Forces team have all served in the military and understand the best way to ensure a smooth transition into a civilian career.

From the FDM Group Ex-Forces Insight Day, you’ll get all the information on how they can help you find employment or gain new skills. Keep an eye out for similar FDM events across the country.

30

Regularly hosting free events, during ‘A Day with BT’ you will discover how your military skills can be transferred, and get hands-on experience in writing a CV, with advice on interview techniques.

Service leavers who have established a successful career with BT will also be at the event to guide you in your new venture.

Various venues www.militarystepintohealth.nhs.uk

HM Prison Service online live chat If you can’t make it along to any of the events taking place nationwide, keep an eye out on the CTP website for details of web-based workshops and live chats, like this one with Her Majesty’s Prison Service. On the day, simply head to the CTP site, click on the ‘live chat’ button and you can speak with Prison Service recruitment staff to find out more about the different roles available and how your military experience can transfer over to this challenging line of work.

www.advancemagazine.co.uk

030_AdvanceSu17_Events.indd 30

19/06/2017 15:56

031_AdvanceSu17_ADV.indd 31

21/06/2017 14:53

THIS IS BELONGING

£10,000 BONUS AND A CAREER THAT FITS AROUND YOU The bonds you build in the Army are unbreakable. The skills you learn stay with you forever, and the memories you make never fade. The opportunity at your fingertips is next level – even if you’ve left full-time service.

If you’re an ex-serviceman, you could join the Army Reserve where you’ll have the chance to forge new friendships, earn new qualifications, and see more of the world – from training in Kenya, to white-water rafting in California. You only need to commit a minimum of 19 days a year and, if you’ve left the Army in the last six years, you could earn a bonus of up to £10,000.

It’s the perfect way to fit the Army around you.

Soldier or officer, infantryman or engineer, ex-Army, Navy, Marines or RAF, if you’re in search of your next big adventure, it’s time to find where you belong.

Search Army Reserve or visit your local Army Careers Centre.

FIND WHERE YOU BELONG

SEARCH ARMY RESERVE 048538_297x210-Advert.indd 032_AdvanceSu17_ADV.indd 132

16/06/2017 20/06/2017 13:02 11:43